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Physical Description

Morphology

Oshurkovia littoralis (previously Umbonula littoralis) is an encrusting bryozoan that develops broad spreading sheets, composed of a single layer of autozooids. Colonies are dull orange in colour and may become extensive. Autozooids are oval to hexagonal. The species lacks avicularia and ovicells.

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Oshurkovia littoralis is able to colonise stones and shells, clumps of larger hydroids, the underside of the button-like thali of Himanthalia seaweed and Laminaria holdfasts. Extensive colonies are frequently found on the underside of flat stones or on shaded overhangs. The species is common in the British intertidal zone, extending from the mean tide level into the kelp zone, but probably no deeper